Course Descriptions

Page Content

Course Catalog for CHEMISTRY

CHEM 111

Introductory Chemistry I and Laboratory

The study of the major concepts and theories required for an understanding of chemical phenomena. Principal topics include atomic and molecular structure, gas laws, stoichiometry, changes of state, chemical binding, solutions, and energetics in chemical reactions. Laboratory work includes quantitative measurements of solutions, synthesis, characterization of chemicals by physical and spectroscopic methods, molecular modeling, and student-assigned projects concentrating on quantitative measurements of solutions. Course intended primarily for students with little or no previous chemistry background.

1.25 units, Lecture

CHEM 112

Introductory Chemistry II and Laboratory

A continuation of Chemistry 111L with emphasis on chemical equilibria, electrochemistry, kinetics, and a presentation of the properties and reactions of selected elements. Laboratory work is devoted to the analysis of systems involving the principles and concepts studied in the classroom. To the greatest extent possible, laboratory and lecture section assignments shall remain the same as for Chemistry 111L.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 111L.

This course for non-science majors examines the chemistry that influences people's lives and their choices. Topics will include air pollution, water pollution, energy and climate change, genetic engineering, food and nutrition. Reacting to the Past simulation games will be used with some of the topics to enhance student understanding of the choices, economics, and political considerations related to the chemical issues. Integrated laboratory exercises will also be used. This course is based on the text Chemistry in Context developed by the American Chemical Society. Not creditable to the chemistry or biochemistry majors.

1.00 units, Lecture

CHEM 142

Science and Pseudoscience in America

This course for non-science majors will examine the science and pseudoscience underlying some of the more contentious issues in America today, with the goal of understanding and critiquing the various perspectives on these issues. Planned topics include global warming, evolution, genetically modified organisms, and childhood vaccinations. Additional topics will be chosen and presented by the students.

1.00 units, Lecture

CHEM 155

Archaeological Chemistry

This course is designed to introduce students to the application of chemical principles to the exploration and explication of archaeological issues. From the identification of ancient trading routes through pottery analysis to the elucidation of human interactions with the environment through investigation of human remains, this course will demonstrate the utility of chemistry and chemical methodologies to archaeological research. Not creditable to chemistry or biochemistry majors.

1.00 units, Lecture

CHEM 160

Introduction to Textile Science

This lecture and demonstration course will present an introduction to classification and identification of natural, regenerated, and synthetic fibers; construction of woven, non-woven, and knitted fabrics; application and design of finishes and colors; and evaluation methods for textiles. This course includes several field trips. Students should come away from this course with a solid background for the selection, use, and care of textiles and a recognition and appreciation for the science and technology associated with the textile industry.Not creditable to the chemistry or biochemistry majors.

1.00 units, Lecture

CHEM 170

Introduction to Forensic Science

This course provides an overview of the techniques used in the modern forensic laboratory for the analysis of common types of physical evidence encountered at crime scenes. The nature of physical evidence, the underlying chemical and physical principles of the scientific techniques employed in analyses, and the interpretation and evidentiary value of scientific results will be studied. This course will include lectures, demonstrations, and limited laboratory work. Not creditable to the chemistry or biochemistry majors.

1.00 units, Lecture

CHEM 211

Elementary Organic Chemistry I

A systematic study of the compounds of carbon, including methods of synthesis and correlation of chemical and physical properties with structure. Introduction to certain theoretical concepts. One laboratory per week emphasizing basic techniques and synthesis.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 112L.

1.25 units, Lecture

CHEM 212

Elementary Organic Chemistry II

A continuation of the lecture and laboratory study begun in Chemistry 211L.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 211L.

1.25 units, Lecture

CHEM 230

Environmental Chemistry

This course will cover basic chemical concepts, such as polarity, volatility, and solubility, as they relate to chemical behavior in the environment. The ability to predict environmental behavior from chemical structure will be emphasized. Human and environmental toxicology will be discussed, and specific pollutants will be examined. Case studies will be used to illustrate concepts. The laboratory will emphasize techniques used for environmental analysis.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 111L and 112L, or permission of instructor.

1.00 units, Lecture

CHEM 230

Environmental Chemistry Lab

This course will cover basic chemical concepts, such as polarity, volatility and solubility, as they relate to chemical behavior in the environment. The ability to predict environmental behavior from chemical structure will be emphasized. Human and environmental toxicology will be discussed, and specific pollutants will be examined. Case studies will be used to illustrate concepts. The laboratory will emphasize techniques used for environmental analysis.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 111L and 112L, or permission of instructor.

0.25 units, Laboratory

CHEM 309

Physical Chemistry I

A lecture and laboratory course concentrating on the development of the theory and application of thermodynamics and kinetics to chemical systems. Special consideration will be given to the theoretical treatment of solution chemistry (e.g., colligative properties, electrolyte theory).Prerequisite: C- or better in Mathematics 132 and Physics 231L.

1.25 units, Lecture

CHEM 310

Physical Chemistry II

A comprehensive treatment of quantum chemistry, molecular structure, and chemical statistics. Subjects covered are designed to emphasize applications to chemical systems.Prerequisite: C- or better in Mathematics 132 or 142, and Physics 231.

1.00 units, Lecture

CHEM 311

Analytical Chemistry

A lecture and laboratory course covering the theory and practice of chemical analysis techniques in a quantitative manner. Detailed discussion of simple and complex acid-base equilibria, and complex buffer systems, will be presented, as will related solubility problems, complex metal-ligand solution equilibria, and oxidation reduction equilibria. Stoichiometry will also be addressed in a systematic way. These techniques will be applied in the laboratory, where accuracy and precision will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on useful chemical reactions for analysis purposes. Latter stages of the course will deal with potentiometry, spectrometry, and chromatographic theory, both gas and liquid, as a separation tool with practical applications.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 112L.

1.25 units, Lecture

CHEM 312

Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis

A lecture and laboratory course in the principles and practice of the use of instruments for quantitative and qualitative chemical measurements. Theory, optimization, and application of instrumentation for spectroscopic, electrochemical, spectrometric, and hyphenated methods of analysis are presented. Applications of computer methods of analysis as well as analog and digital manipulation of electrical signals are presented.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 311L.

1.25 units, Lecture

CHEM 313

Principles of Inorganic Chemistry

A study of atomic structure, the chemical bond, and molecular and ionic structure of inorganic compounds, and an introduction to the principles of coordination chemistry.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 112L.

1.00 units, Lecture

CHEM 314

Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry

A lecture and laboratory course devoted to the systematic study of transition elements and main group elements, their compounds, and reactions. Topics of current interest in inorganic chemistry will be discussed.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 313.

1.25 units, Lecture

CHEM 316

Physical Biochemistry

A comprehensive survey of the physical methods used in the investigation of biological systems, and the models and underlying theory developed to account for observed behavior. The physical and chemical properties of amino acids, peptides, proteins, purines, pyrimidines, and nucleic acids will be examined from spectroscopic, thermodynamic, and kinetic viewpoints.Prerequisite: C- or better in Mathematics 132 or 142, and Physics 231.

A lecture seminar course focusing on the fundamental chemistry underlying biological phenomena. Examples from the current biochemical literature will be used.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 212L, or permission of instructor.

1.00 units, Lecture

CHEM 418

Nuclear Magnet Resonance

A lecture and laboratory course that examines the principles and practice of pulsed Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (FT-NMR). Topics to be discussed include the interactions of nuclei in and with a magnetic field, net magnetization and the rotating frame, relaxation mechanisms, nuclear Overhauser enhancement, multiple pulse sequences, and two-dimensional FT-NMR. Students will also investigate these topics in an associated laboratory. There will be one lecture and one laboratory per week.Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 212L, or permission of instructor.

1.00 units, Seminar

CHEM 419

Research (Library)

Students will conduct library research projects under the direction of an individual staff member. Students electing to pursue independent study of this type should plan a full semester culminating with the completion of a final formal paper. Participation in the weekly Friday departmental seminar series is mandatory. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and chair are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 2.00 units max, Independent Study

CHEM 425

Research (Laboratory)

Students will conduct original laboratory research projects under the direction of an individual staff member. Students electing to pursue independent study of this type should plan on initiating work no later than the fall of the senior year, and should also plan on no less than two semesters of study with the completion of a final formal paper. Participation in the weekly Friday departmental seminar series is mandatory. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and chair are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 2.00 units max, Independent Study

CHEM 466

Teaching Assistantship

Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and chair are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

CHEM 498

Senior Thesis Part 1

No Course Description Available.

2.00 units, Independent Study

CHEM 499

Senior Thesis

Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, after receiving approval for the thesis project from the Chemistry Department, is required.